When Gene Howerdd, Sr. saw the verdant Sapphire Valley, bordered by rocky mountain vistas and laced with crystal trout streams, he knew he had found the perfect site for a level, cool, and breathtakingly beautiful golf course. The then CEO of Georgia Pacific and member of Augusta National, and his wife Katie, purchased 6,000 acres including an inn, which they named Sapphire Valley Inn. The year was 1954. The renowned architect, George Cobb, was commissioned to design the golf course, and 100 friends were invited to join "The Club" for $2,000. Mr. Howerdd, George Cobb and Jim McDevitt played the first round of golf in 1956. A clubhouse was erected and for three years a landing strip (currently the driving range) was provided for members owning small planes. Joe Burke, from the Everglades Club in Palm Beach, was the first Pro. The seasonal green fees were $135 for men and $85 for women. Caddies were used until 1960, when a fleet of Cushman golf carts was purchased.
In the early seventies, the inn, golf course and some acreage were sold to Realtec, Inc. They in turn sold the property to Fairfield Communities, Inc., of Arkansas. In 1972, the original clubhouse burned to the ground and was rebuilt the following year. Howard Dunn was president of the first board of directors, formed in 1975.
During H. Clay Davis' tenure as president in 1981, the members began negotiations to purchase the club and its' facilities. There were 125 golf equity and 45 social members. By 1983, CCSV had become a private country club. The first Ladies Guest Day was held with an entry fee under $25. Later in the eighties, an irrigation system, a men's grill, ladies' lounge and general manager's office were added. The tennis courts were built in 1989, bringing a whole new dimension to the facilities.
The nineties saw many improvements to the golf course, the cornerstone of which was the reconstruction of the greens to USGA specifications. Social and tennis memberships were combined into a clubhouse membership.
The millennium was accompanied by new thoughts and aspirations. The finest and friendliest club around was bursting at the seams! After much soul searching, the members concluded that a major expansion was necessary. It was decided to do it, and do it right.
Today we have a magnificent 32,000 sq ft clubhouse, fully renovated golf course, fitness center, tennis courts, and swimming pool. The unique combination of our our state-of-the-art facilities, along with the breathtaking surroundings of the Sapphire Valley, create a magical place to enjoy with friends.